Network system of media players sharing content

ABSTRACT

A portable wireless communications subscriber audio and/or video player apparatus and system and method for selecting, requesting, downloading, and playing audio and/or video data content files from an Internet-based database server. The wireless link is preferably implemented in accordance with the WiFi protocol, which allows connectivity to the Internet by being in proximity with a local base station or WiFi hotspot (i.e., publicly available local wireless access hub connected to the Internet). The portable wireless communications subscriber audio and/or video player apparatus and system preferably include a security means for monitoring and blocking unauthorized use of the player apparatus and system. The player apparatus further preferably has the capability to communicate with other neighboring player apparatus for the purpose of exchanging content data files, playlists and personal messages.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No.60/507,110 filed Oct. 1, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of digital audio and videoplayer devices that are preferably portable and receive content eitherfrom a secure subscription-based or “a-la-carte” content deliveryservice or from other participant devices, and more particularly to aportable player apparatus that is in wireless communications with anInternet-based file server and laterally to a peer player apparatus. Thepresent invention also relates to a system and method for delivery andmanagement of such content to such devices.

b. Description of the Prior Art

The development of compressed digital audio and video formats, such asthe Motion Picture Experts Group—Layer 3 (MP3) audio compressionstandard, MPEG 21, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), ATRAC, WMA, FLAC,Ogg-Vorbis and others enabled the growth in popularity of recording,storing, transferring, and playing back digital audio and video data oncomputers, including personal desktop and laptop computers. Inparticular, compressed digital audio and video formats enabled moreefficient storage and transmission of high-quality audio and videocontent by reducing the amount of digital data that needed to be storedand transmitted, resulting in data files that could be smaller than1/10th of the original uncompressed digital file without unacceptablydegrading the quality of the output. However, due to computationalrequirements, consumers were generally only able to access and usecompressed and uncompressed digital audio and video on their personallaptop and desktop computers (except for conventional commercially-soldpre-recorded CDs and DVDs, which were playable on standard playersconnected to home stereos and the like). This severely limited portableuse and access to such digital audio and video content in that itrequired the user to be present at or near his or her computer to seeand/or hear the playback, which typically could only be through speakersand/or a screen internal to or connected to the computer and not easilytransported in digital format to more favorable listening environments,such as the user's car.

More recently, relatively low-cost, lightweight, compact, portabledigital media players (“DMPs”) have been developed, e.g., Rios' KarmaMP3 player, and Creative's Portable Media Center. These portable devicesenable consumers to transfer compressed digital audio and/or video filesstored on their computers to the portable devices through the use ofassociated computer-based software via an external connection, such as aUSB or “FireWire” cable, and to play the corresponding media on-demandthrough their DMPs while not in proximity to their computer. Users mostcommonly accessed the audio on the device by connecting headphones via astandard jack on the device, although it was also possible to connect aline-out cable to other audio output or recording devices, such as amicrophone- or line-input of a standard home stereo system.

Such DMPs originally tended to rely on the use of flash memory, such ascompact flash or secure digital, for the storage of audio content, andwere capable of holding a maximum of approximately 0.5 to 1 gigabyte ofmemory. More recently, so-called “portable jukeboxes” have beenintroduced that can hold an estimated 10,000 songs or more of musicalentertainment by including a miniature hard disk recorder in the housingof the device, which can have 40 gigabytes or more of capacity. Portablevideo players with even greater hard disk capacity have also beendeveloped.

In general, conventional DMPs are capable of allowing their users to (1)transfer compressed media files from a computer to the device throughthe use of associated transfer management software installed on thecomputer and a physical connection to the computer, such as a USB cable;(2) store such compressed media files in non-destructive memory; (3)decode for playback any of a variety of compression algorithms; (4)convert a compressed or uncompressed digital file to an analog format,potentially also processing the signal to enhance the resulting soundand images; (5) process and amplify the resulting analog signal; and (6)produce high-fidelity sound and video for the user, which may be played,paused, fast-forwarded, rewound, skipped or replayed instantly andon-demand. Also, typically in the case of audio DMPs (e.g., the RioKarma), the devices feature a relatively small digital display windowthat provides information regarding the audio content stored on thedevice, such as the title and artist, and enables viewing (and in somecases modifying) the sequence of the audio tracks that are currentlystored on the device.

Disadvantageously, however, data transfer and advanced sorting andsequencing of selections are difficult or impossible for a user toaccomplish unless the DMP is connected to the computer, which does notallow the user to obtain new content or to make other desirablemodifications to the content stored on the DMP, such as easily modifyingthe sequence of the content selections stored on the device while theplayer device is not connected to the computer. Further, in the case ofaudio, these players typically do not enable a non-technical user tocreate and manage custom “playlists” (i.e., fixed song sequences), suchthat a user can easily develop and use a variety of personalizedplaylists for use at different times. Also disadvantageously, thedisplay and user interface on these audio devices is typically limitedin size, involves the use of multi-functional buttons which are complexfor many users and is not touch-sensitive, thereby preventing non-expertusers from easily viewing and modifying the listing and sequence ofaudio tracks stored on the DMP.

A further disadvantage of the prior art is that users are typicallyrequired to select content selections one-by-one and then to add them tothe device. Such requirement creates an inconvenience for the user sincetypically the user may prefer variety in the programming, and in manycases may not want to create a selection-by-selection sequence ofentertainment, especially in the case of music. Programmed entertainmentof this sort is currently available to consumers through traditionalbroadcast media and through other means that generally require the useof a device connected to a wired input, such as Internet-basedstreaming, accessible through laptop and desktop computers (and certainspecialized wired devices, such as the Streamium audio device made byRoyal Philips Electronics), and digital cable television and radioservices, accessible through cable-connected television sets. Morerecently, subscription-based commercial satellite broadcast serviceshave been introduced, such as DirecTV for television and Sirius and XMfor radio, which enable consumers to receive hours of programming byselecting among available stations.

However, in all cases involving terrestrial and satellite broadcasts,the user does not have the control to stop, start, rewind, fast-forward,replay or skip any portion of the programming. Also, neither terrestrialand satellite broadcasts, nor Internet-based media services allow theuser to call up and access specific new selections on-demand on aportable device that does not have full PC functionality (e.g., a laptop) and is not connected to a wired Internet connection. Accordingly,for the convenience of receiving programming with existing DMPs, theuser is required to cede control over delivered content for convenience,or will be required to choose to cede convenience for control. Further,in the case of radio-linked audio player devices, player devicereception is typically limited due to physical terrain and geographicfeatures, which can distort radio signals that in all cases need to becontinuously present and stable during the audio output to provide theuser with a satisfactory entertainment experience. Further, of the formsof media services (e.g., TV and radio) available, only Internet-basedstreaming and digital cable, each of which require the user to use astationary wired-device for access (e.g., television set and digitalcable decoding box), and satellite broadcasts, which do not permiton-demand access or control by the user, provide digital-quality output,which may be a benefit required by users.

A further disadvantage of the prior art is that a security method is notprovided for content owners to enable distribution of content to users,management of the content and deletion/expiration of their content on asubscription basis using only a standalone DMP that is not reliant onthe use of associated desktop or laptop computer software, while stillmaintaining royalty records and rights, especially against secondaryparty transfers. Content owners and users would also benefit from a waycontent can be shared laterally across peer-to-peer device transfers toother users of both the personal playlists and the media data contentthat may be stored in the player device in a way that is secure and thatpermits only authorized sharing activities. It can be appreciated by onehaving ordinary skill in the art that the terms “audio”, “video”,“media”, and words of similar import may be used interchangeablythroughout this document to describe the relevant content, since methodsof digital video content compression, storage, transfer, playback andcontrol can be accomplished by using very similar methods andtechnologies and are similarly well-known by those skilled in the art.Note that “content,” as used in this document, shall accordingly meanany audio or video recording that a user may seek to access, and alsoshall include any other file type capable of being interpreted by auser, such as a written document stored in digital form or a digitallystored and compressed photograph, which may be similarly transferred,shared and used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the problems with the prior artdescribed above. A preferred embodiment of the present inventionconsists of a portable wireless audio and/or video player apparatushaving one or more of the following elements: a peer-to-peer audioand/or video data transfer module to allow communications with anotherwireless audio and/or video player apparatus; a wireless communicationlink to an Internet-connected base, a communication software module forrequesting one or more audio and/or video data files from anInternet-based database server via the Internet-connected base station;a first security means for enabling the downloading and storage of therequested files; a second security means for the management and playingof the stored files; and one or more software modules for interfacingwith a user to effect the foregoing features using a easy to understandinterface.

More specifically, the player apparatus according to the presentinvention is able to function as a standalone device to generate, searchand obtain new audio and/or video digital data files (containing contentand associated metadata (as defined below)) wirelessly over theInternet, without the need to use an intervening device, such as adesktop or laptop computer that temporarily stores the content datafiles to be transferred to the portable device, or software that runs ona laptop or desktop computer to manage the transfer and arrangement ofcontent on the portable device. This feature enables a non-technicaluser to access and use digital audio and/or video content withoutknowledge of how to operate a computer. Further, to overcome thelimitations of the display interface of the prior art, the userinterface software according to embodiments of the present invention isdesigned to enable more complex user functions and data organization,and to display these simply and clearly. Such user interface softwarepermits the device to reasonably and comfortably function for the useras a standalone device while permitting the user to search for newcontent, manage and modify large volumes of content, and share contentacross a large number of potential users who may be listed by user ID orname. Moreover, the device obtains files from a server or laterally fromanother device without using a browser-type application.

It is also a feature of the embodiments of the present invention toprovide the user with a flexible programming capability both as to timeand selection for the playing of the individual audio and/or video filesor groups of files. This includes allowing a user to select and playindividual content selections from a broad content library stored in anetwork on-demand, and alternatively to request that hours of continuousprogrammed content be playable on demand, which programming will beupdated on a periodic basis (e.g., daily), without limiting the user'sability to start, stop, rewind or fast-forward through the program.

It is also a feature of the embodiments of the present invention toprovide a means for exporting the data content to one or more of aplurality of output devices, including headphones or a home or carstereo, or another storage and/or playback apparatus such as a desktopor laptop computer. Such export may be via either a wired or a wirelesscommunications link.

It is a feature of the embodiments of the present invention to provide aportable player apparatus that is not dependent on favorable physicalterrain and geographic features that are typically associated withwireless communications devices. This is mainly accomplished by thepre-storing of desired audio and/or video data and metadata contentwhile in the presence of a communications uplink for accessing/playingat a later time, at which time a continuous wireless connection is notrequired for navigating the metadata database or for a satisfactoryoutput of the stored audio and/or video content.

It is a feature of the embodiments of the present invention to provide asecure method for content owners to enable distribution of their audioand/or video content to mass-market consumers on a subscription basis.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a mediadistribution system preferably consists of a broadband network systemfor wirelessly distributing digital media files to multiple standaloneportable digital media player devices in which the devices are: (1)dedicated to and optimized for searching for, receiving and playingaudio and/or video files, authorized obtainment from a network or peerdevice, management and search of metadata and media content (even whileno network or Internet connection is present), authorized playback andauthorized transfer (such as to a peer device or digital computer) ofdigital audio and/or video files by a user; (2) capable of wirelesslytransmitting and receiving audio and/or video data files at “broadband”speeds via conventional broadband protocols, such as that promulgated inthe 802.11 standard, both to and from a local network which preferablyincludes Internet connectivity; and (3) able to communicate with anapplication service in order to request and download encrypted audioand/or video content and associated metadata. Each portable playerdevice preferably includes at least a first security means that disablesplayback and transfer of media files, or that selectively enables suchplayback and transfer when a subscription service is activated. Themedia distribution system preferably includes one or more Internet-baseddatabase servers wherein are stored digital audio and/or video datacontent in compressed or uncompressed form and associated metadata(i.e., descriptive or associative data concerning the content—in thecase of audio, this may include such items as length of track, name ofartist, name of song, name of album, encoding format and bit rate), anInternet application server interface that communicates individuallywith each portable device via a secure certification/authenticationlink, an upload manager that ensures the secure and efficient deliveryof data content files to each of the portable devices, and thecommunications network, thereby allowing the user to request, download,and store individual titles, groups of titles (i.e. a playlist,) and/orpreprogrammed entertainment that fit particular criteria (such as genreor purpose (e.g., work-out, dancing)) on a periodic basis.

The audio and/or video content may be distributed to the portable playerdevices in encrypted form, capable of being played only when decryptedwith a particular private digital decryption key. The portable playerdevice (or apparatus) is preferably constructed with an internal clockthat is not settable or re-settable by the user (which is a necessarypart of preventing a user from avoiding the expiration and disablementof content for time-based subscriptions), but rather can only bedigitally set by establishing a secure and authenticated connection to asecure subscriber network that provides it with accurate time and dateinformation. The portable player device preferably also includes amonitoring module that records the time and date each time a contentselection is played or transferred by the device. The monitoring modulealso preferably includes a reporting module for transferring themonitoring results to the network (via the network's upload manager)when connection is made between the portable player device and thenetwork for any reason.

In a second embodiment according to the present invention, a portablepeer-to-peer wireless communication player device for transferring audioand/or video and related files to and from a second portablepeer-to-peer wireless communication player device, the portablepeer-to-peer wireless communication player device preferably comprises:a wireless transceiver unit for wirelessly communicating with externaldevices (such as peer devices and digital computers); an audio outputunit for playing audio files; a visual output unit for displaying videoand/or displaying user interface information (e.g., LCD screen or otherexisting or hereafter created output technology, which, in the case ofuser interface information, may also be replaced (as is familiar tothose experienced in the art) with a menu-driven audio output means); acontrolling computing unit having a user input interface and amicroprocessor; a digital storage means for storing digital data; and anincluded software method for operating the device, wherein the digitaldata preferably includes audio and/or video data content and playlists.Further, the audio output unit preferably includes one or more from thegroup consisting of speakers and headphones, and the user input unit mayconsist of one or more from the group consisting of buttons, keys,joysticks, toggles, switches, keyboards, touch-pads and touch-sensitivescreen locations, which may include infrared, resistive, inductive andcapacitive sensing means. The software may include one or more of thefollowing modules: a communications module; a processing module; asecurity module; a user interface module; a resident database managementmodule; a storage and retrieval module; and a play module.

The user input interface of the second embodiment preferably includes aset of interactive screens displayed on the video output device, furtherincluding: the steps required for selection of one or more titles inresponse to screen display pages in order to generate a content requestlist for transmitting to the audio and/or video content distributioncenter upload manager and database. The security module preferablyincludes means for interaction with upstream base station to enable theoperation of the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication playerdevice; interaction with at least one second portable peer-to-peerwireless communication player device; and expiration of audio and videocontent files according to a set of subscription and usage rules thatmay be modified through programmed changes at the network. Such rulesmay include, for example, prohibition on playing any subscription-basedcontent resident on the portable device unless the network hasauthenticated and validated the subscription on the device within thepast 30 days.

In a third embodiment according to the present invention, a portablepeer-to-peer wireless communication player device for generating andwirelessly transmitting a playlist to local base station having anInternet connection to an Internet-based database server, and receivingan associated plurality of audio and/or video data content files,preferably comprises: a portable peer-to-peer wireless communicationplayer device as in the second embodiment communicatively coupled to anInternet-based database server via a local wireless base station. In thethird embodiment, the wireless communications are preferablyaccomplished using a WiFi protocol. The Internet-based database server:distributes stored audio and/or video content files in response toplaylist transmission request after first verifying that the requestingdevice has an authorized subscription; sends re-enabling messages to therequesting device to reset a local security module to generate a firstenabling action; sends disabling messages to the requesting device tocause the local security module to generate a disabling action if thedevice does not have an authorized subscription.

In a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, a securesubscription-protected communications system for distributing audioand/or video data content to a portable peer-to-peer wirelesscommunication player device, preferably comprises: 1) a portablepeer-to-peer wireless communication player device that generates acontent request list via an interactive user interface or byautomatically determining a list of one or more selections the userdesires but which are not currently stored on the device (e.g., based ona preferred sequence of songs or videos the user has compiled (a“playlist”), only some of which are currently stored on the portabledevice); transmits the content request list to a local base station;receives and stores associated audio and/or video files transmitted fromthe local base station; transmits to and receives from, on-demand or inan automated fashion, content files from other peer-to-peer devices;displays a list of available content on the device to its user, as wellas to other users who establish a wireless connection with the device;displays a list of possible content choices, even if not resident on thedevice, to the user; enables management of a large quantity of digitalcontent, including the development and modification of custom playlists;plays audio and/or video files in response to user selection, if thesubscription is valid; and expires content if the subscription isinvalid, such that the user is not able to play the content on thedevice; 2) the local base station receiver that receives the contentrequest from the peer-to-peer portable wireless communication playerdevice; and transmits the received request to an Internet-based databaseserver via the Internet communication link; 3) the Internet-baseddatabase server that: stores and manages a plurality of audio and/orvideo files that are accessible by inputting associated titles or fileIDs; tracks subscription information (e.g., such as access rights andexpiration timing) for a plurality of portable peer-to-peer wirelesscommunication player devices; tracks artist proprietary material andrights; tracks usage of proprietary material on each one of the portablepeer-to-peer wireless communication devices; receives the contentrequest list from the local base station via an Internet communicationsconnection; retrieves selected audio and/or video files indicated by thereceived playlist; transmits the selected audio and/or video files tothe local base station for re-transmission to the portable peer-to-peerwireless communication player device; and 4) a local base stationtransmitter that receives transmitted audio and/or video files from anupstream database server via the Internet communication link andre-transmits the received audio and video files to the requestingportable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device.

In a fifth embodiment according to the present invention, a securesubscription-protected media distribution system for distributing audioand/or video content files to a portable peer-to-peer wirelesscommunication player device in response to a received playlist,preferably comprises: 1) a peer-to-peer wireless communication devicethat: generates a user content request list via an interactive userinterface (or in an automated fashion based on user preferences that theuser pre-selects, and/or a predetermined set of rules or othercriteria); transmits the generated request list to a local base station;receives and stores associated audio and/or video files transmitted fromthe local base station; plays audio and/or video files in response touser selection, if subscription is valid; and expires content frommemory if the subscription is invalid; 2) the local base stationreceiver that receives request from the portable peer-to-peer wirelesscommunication player device and transmits the received request to adatabase server via the Internet communication link; 3) the databaseserver that: stores and manages a plurality of audio and/or video filesthat are accessible by inputting associated titles or file IDs; trackssubscription information for a plurality of portable peer-to-peerwireless communication player devices; tracks artist proprietarymaterial and rights; tracks usage of proprietary material on each one ofthe plurality of portable peer-to-peer wireless communication devices;receives the content request list from the local base station via anInternet communications connection; retrieves selected audio and/orvideo files indicated by the received playlist; and transmits theselected audio and/or video files to the local base station forre-transmission to the portable peer-to-peer wireless communicationplayer device; and 4) a local base station transmitter that receivestransmitted audio and video files from upstream database server via theInternet communication link and re-transmits the received audio and/orvideo files to the requesting portable peer-to-peer wirelesscommunication player device.

In a sixth embodiment according to the present invention, a wirelesscommunications system for selecting, downloading and playing audioand/or video data content using a wireless protocol which, in thepresent embodiment may be based upon the 802.11 (or similar) standardsand related technologies (referred to herein, along with other wirelesstechnologies now existing or hereafter developed which may besubstituted, as “WiFi”), preferably comprises: a subscription-baseddatabase server further including: a first Internet connection; aplurality of audio and/or video data content files; and a translationand retrieval means for defining and downloading a unique one of theaudio and/or video data content files in response to an inputted titleor file ID selection request. The wireless communications system alsopreferably includes: a local WiFi base station, which has a secondInternet connection in communication with the first Internet connection;and a portable wireless communication subscription-capable playerdevice, which further includes: a selection means for generating atleast one title or file ID selection request; and a WiFi transmissionmeans for transmitting the first title selection request to the localbase station and thence to the database server; a WiFi receiving meansfor receiving the audio and/or video data content file downloaded inresponse to the transmitted title selection request; and a playing meansfor playing the downloaded audio and/or video data content file.

The portable wireless communication subscription-capable player deviceof the sixth embodiment preferably further includes a security unit forcontrolling the operation of the unit in responsiveness to at least onesubscription status indicator. The selection means of the portablewireless communication subscriber player device may further include adisplay unit and a user input means, which may further include at leastone from the group consisting of a button, a touch-pad location on thedisplay unit, a joystick, a toggle, a key, a keyboard and a voicerecognition input means.

The portable wireless communication subscriber player device of thesixth embodiment preferably further includes a communication means forwirelessly connecting with a second portable wireless communicationsubscription-capable player device for the purpose of transferring databetween the two devices using the WiFi protocol. The portable subscriberwireless communication subscription-capable player device preferablyincludes means for selecting, downloading and playing audio and/or videodata content (or, per the current definition of “content,” any otherdata files) using a WiFi protocol, comprising: a selection means forselecting at least one from a displayed list of audio and/or videotitles and generating at least a first title selection request; and aWiFi transmission means for transmitting the first title selectionrequest to a local base station and thence to a database server; a WiFireceiving means for receiving the audio and/or video data content filedownloaded in response to the transmitted title selection request; and aplaying means for playing the downloaded audio and/or video data contentfile. The portable wireless communication subscription-capable playerdevice of the sixth embodiment preferably further includes a securityunit for controlling the operation of the unit in response to at leastone subscription status indicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the elements of a portable player deviceconstructed in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 a shows a side view of the device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a content distribution network according toone embodiment;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a Device-Network Synchronization pathway andassociated software modules;

FIG. 6 shows a peer-to-peer communication system according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 7 shows peer-to-peer functionality of the elements shown in FIG. 6,including that involving multiple peer devices simultaneously in range;

FIG. 9 shows a representative first user interface screen according toone embodiment;

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a representative second user interface screen formaking selections according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 11-17 show a plurality of music management operations that may beperformed by a non-technical user without the use of a computer orintervening device; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail bydescribing preferred embodiments of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a digitalmedia distribution system consists of: a broadband network system forwirelessly distributing digital audio and/or video files to multiplestandalone digital playback devices that are: (1) dedicated to andoptimized for the search, procurement, storage, management, playback andcontrol of digital audio and/or video files by a user from the network;(2) capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving audio and/or videodata files at “broadband” speeds via conventional broadband protocols,such as that promulgated in the 802.11 standard, (preferably 802.11 g orother similar standards) both to and from a local network which caninclude Internet connectivity and connectivity to one or more compatibledevices without Internet connectivity (e.g., using a WiFi network in anad hoc mode); and (3) able to communicate with an application service inorder to request and download encrypted audio and/or video content andassociated metadata. The devices are preferably portable. The presentinvention preferably contemplates a means by which the portable playerdevice can connect to the application service and digital data referredto above through at least one of a number of alternate means, includingpreferably a docking cradle (described below) connected to the Internetand/or a WiFi access hub providing access to the Internet and iswirelessly linked to the portable player unit. In one embodiment, eachportable wireless communication player device preferably includes atleast one security means that disables playback and distribution ofaudio and/or video files upon application of a first triggering signal,or that enables such playback and distribution upon application of asecond triggering signal when a subscription service is activated. Themusic distribution system preferably includes one or more Internet-baseddatabase servers used to store digital audio and/or video data contentin compressed or uncompressed form and associated metadata (as describedabove). An Internet application server interface is also provided thatcommunicates individually with each portable device via a securecertification/authentication link. In addition, there is an uploadmanager that ensures the secure and efficient delivery of audio and/orvideo data content files to each of the portable devices, and thecommunications network. The user may request individual titles, groupsof titles (i.e., a playlist,) and/or preprogrammed audio and/or videoentertainment that fit particular criteria (such as genre or purpose(e.g., work-out, dancing)) on a periodic basis.

The system according to the present invention provides a secure methodof audio and/or video content distribution due to (i) creation of asecure platform for the distribution of audio and/or video content thatcannot easily be used by users to impermissibly share such content, (ii)use of direct security, encryption and digital rights managementtechnologies, and (iii) alteration of the incentives of users toillegally obtain or copy content, which is potentially damaging tocontent owners, by providing a way they can search for and obtain newcontent, transfer the content to a portable device, listen to and/orview the content through a variety of output devices (such as headphonesor a car or home entertainment system), and share the content withfriends and other users. Such security method overcomes disadvantages incurrent applications in which users are required to use a laptop ordesktop computer to perform these functions. Laptop and desktopcomputer-based systems inherently encourage users to create additionalcopies of content in order to transfer it to a more desirablelistening/viewing environment and also make it easier for them to useillicit file sharing and download services which are merely a “clickaway.” By delivering content to a portable device that can easily becarried in a pocket, that enables sharing with friends and that enableslistening and/or viewing through a wired or wireless connection toheadphones, a car stereo or television, a home entertainment system oranother desired output device, a user has less incentive to burn a CD orDVD, or make other kinds of copies of such content, including activitiesthat may constitute copyright violations.

In addition, the method simultaneously provides a user with an enhancedentertainment experience by (a) not requiring the use of a computer,which is in many ways inconvenient for users, (b) wirelessly providingcontent to users so that they are able to obtain and enjoy new audioand/or video selections without connecting wires to a device, withoutbeing in their homes or offices, and without the inconvenience ofvisiting a retail store, and (c) enabling new capabilities for the user,such as wirelessly sharing content with other users in a legal fashionthat does not infringe on the property rights of the content owners. Theuser interface of a preferred embodiment, if based on a touch-screen orsimilar input technique, is optimized to allow a user to input allselections without using a stylus, but rather by using a fingertip. Thisis achieved by ensuring selection areas on each screen displayed to theuser is sufficiently large to accommodate and accurately reflect theposition of an average user's fingertip on the touch-screen. The userinterface of a preferred embodiment, if not based on a touch screen orsimilar input technique, is optimized to allow a user to input allselections by using a toggle, joystick, touch-sensitive mouse pad,roller ball or similar input method to sequentially highlight thevarious selection options on each screen and to select the desiredoption. A user interface might also feature, using any of the aboveinput methods, a conventional drag-and-drop functionality to allow usersto create and modify the sequential listings of content selections andto thereby store and manage a library of playlists, which is not part ofthe prior art for DMPs.

Thus, a representative embodiment of a portable digital audio playbackdevice 100 according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1,preferably includes the following electronic modules: a computercontroller 101 for controlling the operation of the portable playerdevice, which further preferably includes a microprocessor 102, such asan ARM processor, volatile memory 103, such as SDRAM, non-volatilememory 104, such as flash, a non-resettable internal clock 105,Read-Only-Memory (ROM) 106, a plurality of software modules 107 formanaging the operation of the computer controller, an uplink/downlinkcommunications link, a peer-to-peer communications link, and interactivesecurity processing and further containing a unique electronicidentification or serial number of the portable player device; acommunications module 108 further comprising an encryption unit 109, areceiver unit 110 and a transmitter unit 111 that preferably conforms tothe protocols of WiFi; a data processing unit 112; a mini-hard diskdrive 113, preferably having a data capacity of at least 1 gigabyte; arechargeable battery 114, such as lithium polymer; and aheadphone/line-out connector jack 115.

In FIG. 2 the device 100 has a housing 200 with a user interface displaythat is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD) 201, which may bemonochrome or color, capable of displaying at least 5 lines of Englishtext, with or without a touch-sensitive layer (e.g. resistive orinductive), a blue backlight; and one or more user input devices 117,such as buttons, keys, toggles, joysticks, mouse pads and touch-screencontact points overlaying the LCD, as are known in the art. The portabledigital audio playback device also preferably includes an identificationchip 118 with a laser-burned encoded unique ID or serial number. Theuser input devices 117 of FIG. 1 preferably provide the functionalityof: a “Power on/off” button 211; some functions may be provided by a4-way disk button providing user-friendly functionality of conventional“Play,” “Pause,” “FF/REW,” “Next,” “Last,” and “Stop” buttons 202; a“Toggle up/down” push button 203; a “Volume up/down” rocker switch; a“Wi-Fi on/off” position switch 204; an “Enter” button, and a “Back”button.

Additionally, software on the portable player device may automatecertain functions that the user may control. A preferred embodiment ofthe present invention includes an automatic-off function that shuts offthe player to conserve power if it is not in use for a specified periodof time and preferably includes a WiFi on/off timer, waking the WiFifunctionality of the portable player device to perform a Device-NetworkSynchronization (as referred to below) at pre-specified times (e.g., 3am), as counted by the internal clock of the portable player device. Ifthe device then detects an available WiFi network after a WiFi scan, itdisables the WiFi functionality to conserve power if such a connectionis not available or a Device-Network Synchronization is successfullycompleted.

The representative embodiment also has an antenna 205 capable oftransmitting and receiving data over the WiFi network, a standardline-out jack 206 connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 208 (onwhich the components of FIG. 1 are mounted, including a chipsetconsisting of at least: ARM processor (at least 200 Mhz with clock notsettable or re-settable by user), digital-to-analog-to-digitalconverters, hard-disk drive controllers and/or flash memory drivers,SDRAM, LCD drivers and power-managed WiFi communications chipset) and amicrophone input 207 connected to the PCB.

The data processing unit 112 may be incorporated within the computercontroller 101. Additionally, the portable player device may include oneor more of following: Modem/Direct Ethernet connecting circuit;digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters; and a USB or“FireWire” port.

A recharging cradle and docking unit connects to the portable playerdevice and preferably includes: a power connector (such as for a 5 voltDC male connection), a data output connector (such as a USB maleconnector) that connects to the portable player device when the portabledevice is docked in the cradle; a power transformer; an AC power ACpower cable; and an Ethernet line-in jack on the portable playerdevice's cradle unit to enable direct connection to a modem.

It can be appreciated that various embodiments may be used to arrive atthe foregoing portable digital audio playback device of the presentinvention without deviating from the spirit and intent of the invention.For example, an embodiment of the computer controller 101 may comprisean off-the-shelf PDA or dedicated portable digital audio player thatalready includes an integrated wireless communications capability, i.e.,includes a communications module 108, rather than existing as a separateexternal module as presented above. An alternate embodiment may includethe hard disk as part of the computer controller 101. Such embodimentsshould be considered as falling within the scope of the presentinvention.

The portable wireless communication player device 100 according to thepresent invention is constructed and arranged to operate as a standalonedevice that can search and obtain content over the Internet.

The data storage devices 103, 104 are used to search locally-storedfully searchable and browseable artist and song databases. The searchmay be based on indexed and periodically updated digital database files,enabling users to search for new content without being connected to theInternet. The device also enables obtaining the content merely by“clicking” on a selection, initiating a download, pseudo-download, orstreaming process directly to the portable device the next time thedevice is connected to the network (wirelessly or otherwise). Thisavoids the need to first use a computer to obtain new content and thenseparately transfer it to a portable device. Finally, because itincludes a relatively large screen (which may also be touch sensitive)and a powerful, but intuitive user interface, the software allows theusers to easily re-order the sequence of content selections in theirplay lists, delete unwanted selections, and make other modifications totheir content library without knowledge or training in the use apersonal computer.

Users of portable digital audio devices often wish to listen to theirmusic and other audio content through a separate output device otherthan headphones, such as a home/car stereo system or “boom box” portablestereo system. Since connecting the portable device to the preferredoutput device by means of a wire is also inconvenient for the user,according to the present invention, communications may be establishedusing a wireless transmission protocol, such as WiFi (i.e., 802.11standard or alternatively 802.16, 802.20, and the like). This isachieved by transmitting the audio output from the portable device in ananalog (e.g., FM) or digital (e.g., over WiFi) form to a compatiblereceiver that is connected to, or built into the output device. Such areceiver, if WiFi-enabled, receives digital data over WiFi in encryptedor unencrypted form (compressed or uncompressed), process the receiveddata (including by decoding and/or decrypting it) and outputting ananalog audio signal that can be amplified and output through speakersfor the user to hear. (An analog RF output can also be accordinglytransmitted and received in a similar fashion using an RF output fromthe portable devices based on a WiFi communications chipset.) Thehardware components that create the WiFi capability of the portabledevice for these purposes can be the same as those that allow suchdevice, when within range of a WiFi access point connected to theInternet, to securely download and stream music and other audio from theInternet-based database server at broadband speeds, following which, theuser can then play back the music in his or her chosen listeningenvironment.

WiFi access hubs are typically provided across a geographic area—asbusinesses (e.g., coffee shops), the government (e.g., public parks),and residential users are opening up their WiFi networks for publicavailability. Public WiFi access hubs, commonly referred to as“hotspots,” can be accessed by users in range of such hubs andconstitute one available means by which a user of the presently inventedportable player device can obtain audio and/or visual content from anetwork using a wireless access link. In addition to hotspots, users canobtain content in a similar fashion using a variety of other availablemeans contemplated by the present invention, such as via anInternet-connected WiFi access hub located in the user's home,workplace, university, etc.

The media distribution system according to the present invention allowsa user to wirelessly obtain digital content directly on a portabledevice on a subscription basis. This is achieved by (a) ensuring thatthe access device is incapable of playing subscription content (but notpurchased or otherwise owned content) when the subscription is no longervalid, (b) limiting the usage rights associated with the deliveredcontent through the digital rights management (DRM) software and (c)ensuring end-to-end security of content distribution.

Through the design of the network and the portable wirelesscommunication player device, a digital rights management system canensure that only valid subscribers can continue to access subscriptioncontent. This may be achieved by incorporating one or more of thefollowing features: (1) including software on the portable wirelesscommunication player device that will not play or decode the encryptionof a content selection that is made available on a subscription basis(but not a purchased song) unless the device has received averification, such as in the last 30 days, from the network that thedevice's subscription is valid and fully-paid (2) including an internalclock on the device that is non-resettable by the user (which preventsusers from avoiding the expiry and disablement of content based on thepassage of time), and which synchronizes with a master clock each timethe device connects with the network (a user resettable clock on theunit is merely displayed as an offset from the underlying non-resettableclock), in order to ensure that the time of song playback and currenttime can be properly recorded and reported to the network; (3) includinga counter on the device that counts the number of times, including timeand date, that each song was listened to or transferred or that anetwork authentication occurred, which reports this information back tothe network, at which point a rules-based application in the securenetwork and/or on the portable device evaluates the recorded usage datareported by each device and indicates where inconsistencies or potentialtampering may have occurred (e.g., potential tampering would beindicated by: that the clock must have been tampered with because twovideos are indicating as having been played at the same time, or at adate prior to the time the device was purchased or prior to the lasttime-of-use last reported by the device; that it is impossible for xnumber of songs having a length of y to have been heard during thecourse of a one-day period; that the device incorrectly reports thetimes and dates of the last three network connections and/or the timeelapsed since that time); (4) computer flagging of unusual activitycoupled with human checking of these cases (e.g., a significantly higherthan average number of viewings, listens, downloads or transfers perhour, day, week or month), (5) providing for the expiration of audio andvideo content, such as not permitting the playback of a song more than apredetermined number of times (e.g., 30) without a new authentication bythe network and (6) requiring or encouraging subscribers to pay multiplemonths in advance (e.g., 6 months or 1 year) to diminish the incentiveto subscribe for 1 month, download content, and then attempt to breakthe security measures.

To become a subscriber, or purchase a la carte content, a user isprompted by the device to enter credit card information during aDevice-Network Synchronization, FIG. 5 by selecting the digits of thecredit card, the type of card and the expiration date through any of avariety of input mechanisms, such as the “spinning” character techniqueused in the preferred embodiment for search purposes (802, FIG. 8). Thenetwork performs a credit card authorization process and, if the userinformation is approved, subscribes the user and charges his or hercredit card appropriately through a standard electronic credit cardbilling procedure. This process can be used for other payments the useris required to make, although the user's card information can be storedon the network in the subscriber database (302, FIG. 3) in order thatthe user would not need to re-enter this information but would only needto enter a 4-digit security PIN code that is similarly stored andverified by the network. Further, said “spinning” input techniquedescribed above operates by increasing or decreasing the characterdisplayed in the space located above or below the text display box. Theuser toggles a switch up or down to modify the displayed characteraccordingly. On pushing the toggle button in, the character is enteredand the user is able to similarly select the subsequent character in thestring by advancing to the next space. The resulting character string inreal time moves the pointer for the indexed database list to acorresponding position (and displays the corresponding portion of thelist that matches the partial input string) so that the user can viewand select the desired entry from the database listing.

The end-to-end system preferably has the following security componentsfor content transfers: (A) a master content library that is stored in asecure database, (B) a content library that can only be accessed througha secure gateway that requires authentication as a valid portablewireless communication player device and current subscriber (a privatekey encryption may be used to avoid false identification as a validaccount), (C) content that is delivered to the portable unit inencrypted form so that any interception of bits is useless unless theinterceptor is otherwise capable of decoding the encryption, which isextremely difficult, (D) the portable wireless communication playerdevice that contains a private key that is able to decode the encryptionand play back the delivered audio and/or video files, and (E)device-to-device communications that consist of either (i) sending justa text playlist/titles of content selections, such that the secondplayer device obtains only text named and/or ID data from the peerdevice and obtains the audio and/or video content securely from thenetwork, or (ii) sending data content in encrypted form (e.g.,wirelessly from one portable device to another) such that only thereceiving device, which must be authenticated and have a validsubscription, can decode the encryption and make use of the content.

The audio and/or video data content may be distributed to the portablewireless communication player devices in encrypted form, capable ofbeing played only when decrypted with a particular private digitaldecryption key. The internal clock of the portable wirelesscommunication player device is preferably digitally set by establishinga secure and authenticated connection to the secure subscriber networkthat provides it with accurate time and date information not calibratedto time zones (i.e., preferably, only time for a single time zone in theworld is used). The portable wireless communication player devicepreferably also includes a monitoring module that records the time anddate each time a content selection is played or transferred by thedevice. The monitoring module also preferably includes a reportingmodule for transferring the monitoring results to the networks (i.e.,the upload manager) when connection is made between the portablewireless communication player device and the network.

The present invention also allows users to share their content over thenetwork. A user may connect to the network over WiFi and then browse orsearch the playlists, audio and/or video collections and favoritecontent of other users in a variety of ways, including by requestingfrom the network database a list of content sorted in descending orderby popularity (e.g., number of users accessing selection, or totalnumber of times listened/viewed), ranking (e.g., on published chartssuch as Billboard) or user rating; a list of audio and/or videoselections sorted by geographic proximity of users (e.g., most popularvideos/songs by number of views/listens for Birmingham, Ala., based onthe billing addresses of the owners); a list of content selections aparticular named user (who may be identified based on ratings or use ofa particular playlist or other ways) currently stores on his or herportable device; or sorted in other ways. In each case, the networkperforms the necessary computation on request (or stores the resultsfrom such a computation) and provides it to the user by transmitting theappropriate listing of file IDs to the portable device. Each user isfurther given the opportunity to provide ratings for each piece ofcontent and playlist they have, which may be shared with other users ina similar fashion, and may be used by the user as a way to personallytrack his or her favorite selections. Averages and statistics may alsobe compiled on the network in order to list content selections andplaylists in order of their popularity according to user rating, numberof listens/views or by other metrics. Users can also search thecollections of other users based on the presence of particular contentselections contained in the other user's playlists. Users may providecommentary and other information, which may be posted, and be viewableand/or searchable by other users that may be connected to the network.Users preferably will also be able to send messages, recommendations ofplaylists and pieces of content to other users by asking the network tosend an e-mail to that person on the user's behalf.

Importantly, in this manner, a group of users that are eithersubscribers of a common service, are communicating over a common server,or are located in a common geographic location define a communitysharing audio and/or video files. This sharing occurs either over theInternet, through a WiFi connection in an ad hoc mode, or other similarmeans.

Finally, according to the present invention, the portable wirelesscommunication player device preferably includes an audio recorder and/orvideocamera which enables users to record images and/or sounds into adigital file, playable on demand, as well as shareable. Users who createsuch a recording preferably have the ability to transmit such recordingto other users via the wireless device-to-device method described above.This content file may not necessarily be encrypted. Further, the userwill preferably be able to wirelessly transmit the recorded digital fileto the network that will then further transmit the file, as requested,to other users or to an e-mail or IM address. This will permit “mediae-mails/IMs” to occur between users or between the user and virtuallyanyone with an e-mail or IM account.

In an exemplary application of the embodiments of the current invention,when not within range of a WiFi connection point, the large storagemedia (209, FIG. 2) included in the portable wireless communicationplayer device (FIG. 2) allows pre-downloaded audio and/or video filesand/or metadata to be searched “off-line”. Using this stored “localdatabase” (504, FIG. 5) and by optimizing sporadic WiFi connections,which allow the network (315, FIG. 3) to update the local database (504,FIG. 5) on the portable device as necessary during each Device-NetworkSynchronization (as defined in FIGS. 4 and 5), allows the user to searchin any number of ways, including by most popular selections, genre, oralphabetically. Navigation of this local database may use an up/downtoggle button 203 on the device to “spin” letters up and down (802, FIG.8), one at a time, to create a five- or six-character string, while thelist of artists or titles displayed changes to match the partial stringcreated (803, FIG. 8), enabling a user to zero-in quickly on aparticular artist or title by searching alphabetically. Alternatively, auser could search by other methods, such as by popularity (number ofplays or downloads by users, published rankings, aggregated and averageduser ratings, volume of purchases or other ways) (804, FIG. 8).

Once a media file, playlist or other file is identified and selected fordownload (901, FIG. 9), the selection is added to a “stack” of tasksthat are to occur at a next Internet connection (502, FIG. 5) during aDevice-Network Synchronization operation. If in its cradle (406, FIG.4), which connects directly to the Internet via any of a number ofstandard connections (e.g., CAT-5 or -6/Ethernet cable) to an Internethub (e.g., cable modem) (404, FIG. 4), the portable unit automaticallydetects and establishes a connection to the network. Placement in thecradle (406, FIG. 4) triggers the device to send a secure authenticationmessage through the Internet to the network. When not in its cradle andthe “stack” is not empty, the device periodically scans and searches fora WiFi network connection (e.g., once every 3 minutes) until one isidentified and established. If multiple networks are available, thedevice automatically selects one based on predetermined criteria. Forexample, the device may select the network with the strongest signal,unless the user is not permitted to access that network in which casethe device will automatically select the next strongest availableconnection.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the data flow and the software modules participatingor implementing a typical device-network synchronization procedure. Upona cradle-based or WiFi-based connection being established, the device311 sends a secure authentication message to the network 315 usingprivate/public key encryption. The network 315 authenticates themessage. At that point the portable device 311 provides usageinformation to the network 315, including the date, time, and number oftimes (with time and date) each content selection has been played by theuser (for example, by counting selections played for more than 20seconds as one “play,” or other similar criteria) or transfers to orfrom the device to any peer device that have occurred and any changes inthe content stored on the device, such as deletions and additions of newcontent selections.

The network 315 then performs a number of anti-fraud checks, such asensuring it does not simultaneously have a connection to the same deviceID open (one of which must be fraudulent), that the number of plays isnot inconsistent with the time elapsed, that the times and datesreported for plays are not internally inconsistent, etc. Once theseprocesses have been completed, the portable device 311 initiatesrequests from its “stack.” If a selection was only partially downloadedin a previous session, a download manager 501 using a conventionaldownload mechanism initiates the download from the network 311 at thepoint the download last left off by communicating a “pointer” to thenetwork 311. Additional new selections the user made are then downloadedautomatically in a predetermined order. As part of this process, thenetwork preferably assigns a unique identification to each subscriberdevice.

The display screen of the device 311 may indicate to the user thatdownload activity is occurring, as well as display the name of theselection being downloaded or information on any other current activity.This procedure may also be implemented if the user does not come withinrange of a WiFi Internet connection but instead comes into range ofanother portable device that has the desired content stored on it. Thedevice 311 identifies if a target content selection is on the otherdevice and obtains the selection from the second device using thedevice-to-device protocol.

The system of the present invention enables the following securefunctions:

1) Valid subscribers are able to select a song or video and choose to“beam” it to another player device over a WiFi connection or othersimilar connections. This is preferably done by selecting the item to bebeamed (see FIG. 6), at which point the user sees a list of other validdevices in range (this list may be created by doing a WiFi scan forportable wireless communication subscriber player device (or playerdevices) in device-to-device/ad hoc mode). These other devices aredisplayed by the name given to the target player device by its user;other information may include profile information on the user, such as aphoto, first name, favorite music genre, etc. The user selects thetarget player device it wants to transfer or send the file to, and thesender's player device then transmits the digital file to the receivervia a WiFi connection. This is accomplished by equipping each playerdevice with server software (e.g., such as HTTP: server software, suchas that available from Microsoft for PocketPC devices). To initiate atransfer, the sending player device sends a message to the receivingplayer device, indicating that it should make a request to it for thespecified item. The receiving device then “pulls” the file to it overthe WiFi connection, FIGS. 6 and 7; this process can also be architectedas a “push.” If a subscription of a potential receiving player device isexpired, the receiver may be able to obtain a copy of the file, but thedigital rights management software local on the receiver's player devicewill not permit the user to play the content. If the user's subscriptionlater becomes valid, the user will be able to access the file withoutre-downloading it.

2) Valid subscribers can “beam” playlists to other users in a similarfashion to the above method—instead of transmitting a digital audio orvideo file, however, a playlist file, which may merely be text, istransmitted. The receiving player device then alerts the user as tocontent indicated on the playlist that is not stored on his playerdevice. If the user desires, the player device adds the missingselections to the “stack.” It then can obtain the content file directlyfrom the sending player device, or else upon the next network connectionover the Internet (see FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7).

3) Valid subscribers can scan and pull content files from users that arein WiFi range. The player device will compile a list of all potentialdevice-to-device WiFi connections in the area based on a “scan” (aprocess known, developed, and available on WiFi-enabled Toshiba e740 ore755 Pocket PC devices) and will display this list to the user. If theuser selects one of the player devices, the player device will display alisting of all the content and playlists on the second player device,allowing the user to browse and search the collection. If the useridentifies a desired playlist or content file, it can then “pull” theselection from the second player device onto its player device in theway indicated above—i.e., the sending player device will in effectbecome a server and the receiving player device will “pull” the filefrom the server device over WiFi (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The prior art doesnot include an automated and user-friendly method by which a WiFi (orsimilar connection) “scan” can be conducted, invisible to the user, anda connection established; it also does not permit the automatedswitching between “infrastructure” and “ad hoc” modes based on thedesired user function. The present invention overcomes this difficultyby including software on the portable apparatus that triggers theappropriate mode (based on desired user function), periodic scans,sorting of available WiFi (or other wireless) devices and a connectionto the strongest available device.

4) Alternatively, for greater security, in place of each file transferdescribed above, the player devices may transmit only the name of thedesired file, which will automatically be added to the “stack” and thenbe obtained by the receiving player device at the next networkconnection over the Internet.

5) Users preferably have the option to turn privacy on or off in orderto disable other users from seeing their audio and/or video files andfrom obtaining copies from the player device. In the “off” mode a playerdevice receiving a request for playlist, media file information ordigital media files, will reject the request, sending a rejectionmessage to the initiating player device.

6) Users will also have the option to turn the WiFi broadcast feature onor off to prevent the WiFi transmitter/receiver from draining batterylife on the player device via an easily accessible and clearly markedexternal button on the player device itself (or, alternatively, via asoftware switch and graphical user interface.) If the WiFi access is notused for a specified period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) the WiFitransmitter/receiver preferably automatically turns off from active modeto conserve power. When items are queued in the stack, the WiFi willpreferably periodically turn on to scan for WiFi connectivity and thenturn off again in order to conserve power.

Additionally, by scanning the entire set of player devices in range, auser's player device enables a search-and-browse mode that includes anaggregation of all media files available in the area. The user's playerdevice completes a scan, aggregates and alphabetizes (or otherwiseorganizes, such as by genre or popularity) the selections available, andthen allows the user to search or browse all audio and/or video files inthe area at one time. If the user desires to obtain a particular audioor video selection, the player device then indicates which user or usersare able to provide the media file.

Further, because users can record audio and/or video on the playerdevice, creating a compressed digital media file, users can, in effect,send “media e-mails”, “media IMs” and other recordings to one anotherthrough a direct device-to-device or indirectdevice-to-network-to-device connection. For security purposes, theserecordings can, in a preferred embodiment, be limited in length (e.g.,to one minute) by use of a software timer, making piracy anddistribution of copyrighted music and video difficult and inconvenientfor the user in order to protect content owner rights.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show how the system provides a way for player devices toconnect peer-to-peer (also known as “P2P) to share content withouthaving to access the Internet. There are currently no non-PC-based filesharing networks that are easy to use and available for non-technicalusers—all P2P software is currently written for PCs and requires acontinuous Internet connection during use. The present invention doesnot require Internet connections, but instead connect to each otherdirectly using WiFi, forming a temporary virtual private network. Eachplayer device that seeks to become part of such temporary network wouldperform a standard scan using WiFi (or another wireless technology nowexisting or hereafter created) to identify all non-private compatibleplayer devices. It would then compile a listing of the content on suchplayer devices and permit each user to search or browse the content inthis temporary network, either by searching the content located on aparticular user's player device or by searching all the content on anyavailable player device on a single integrated list.

Description of Certain Figures

FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of the portable player device 100described herein, including: protective housing 212, a WiFi antennainsulated as much as possible from potentially interfering circuits andmaterials 205, a standard line-out jack into which headphones or aline-out cable can be plugged 206, a microphone input used to record theuser's voice or other audio when sending “media e-mails” and the like(described above) or other content 207, an LCD touch-screen 201, whichmay be in color, preferably two inches in width, and capable ofdisplaying at least 10 lines of text at one time, and a chipset 208consisting of at least one microprocessor, such as a 200 MHz ARMprocessor, with clock preferably not settable or re-settable by user.The microprocessor is used for performing various functions, such asencoding and decoding DRM-protected audio and/or video content in realtime, encryption and decryption, and so on. The chip set 208 may alsoinclude digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters, hard diskdrive controllers and/or flash memory drivers, SDRAM, LCD drivers and apower-managed WiFi communications circuitry. The chip set may furtherinclude a digital unique ID or serial number (e.g., laser-burned orotherwise) attaching in such way that a user would have great difficultymodifying it 118. The device also includes PCB 204, non-erasable digitalmemory in the form of a mini-hard disk 209 or flash (e.g., SD or compactflash) consisting of at least 0.25 gigabyte storage capacity. Power isprovided by rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium polymer battery or otherpower source 210. An up/down/push toggle switch is provided as anexternal input device and connected to the PCB 204. The device 100 mayinclude standard play control buttons 202 and a power on/off button 211.Optionally, the device may also include other buttons, switches, keys orother input devices suitable for control of the user interface,including a WiFi on/off switch, an “info” button that toggles display ofinformation on the current selection being played on the device and a“beam” button that initiates the sending of a content selection by theuser to another user (optional buttons not depicted for the sake ofclarity).

FIG. 3 depicts the content distribution network and associatedcompatible access devices. The network 315 includes one or more contentdatabases 301 that securely store digital content and associatedmetadata (such as file length, title, encoding rate, release date, andother related information), subscriber and usage databases 302 thatsecurely store data regarding each user's activities (such as,downloaded titles), content transfers to peer devices, previousDevice-Network Synchronizations and other information, an encryptionengine 303 that optionally encrypts content before it is deliveredoutside the network using standard public-private key encryption method,an upload manager 304 that manages the error-checked delivery of contentto permitted user devices and that can initiate a download from a given“pointer” in the event only a portion of a download file was previouslytransmitted, an authentication server 306 that authenticates the uniqueID or serial number provided by each user's device and ensures (based onsubscriber data stored in the subscriber and usage databases) that theuser's device is associated with a valid and current subscription, and asecure network gateway 305 that manages multiple simultaneousconnections to users over secure sockets layer. Additionally, securityand digital rights management software 309 is installed throughoutrelevant applications in the network and on user devices, and isoptionally “wrapped” around all digital content delivered from thenetwork, in order to ensure that digital rights of content owners can beprotected from end-to-end. Users are permitted to use a computer if theywish (but are not required to do so at any time for any purpose), inwhich case they can use a standard desktop or laptop computer 314equipped with standard Internet browser software connected to theInternet 310 wirelessly or through wired means to access the network'sWeb site 308, the pages of which are generated dynamically based on Website software and related applications 307. Content need not ever bedelivered to the computer 314, and the Web site front-end and userinterface software 308 can merely enable the user to search, sort,organize, order content to be delivered to his or her portable device311, 312, or for other account-related functions. Preferably, a userwill use a portable device or other compatible device 311, 312 to accessand manage content over a WiFi connection or a wired connection viacradle 405, FIG. 4. as discussed below. Of course, the various elementsdescribed above may be combined and are depicted as individual elementsonly for the sake of clarity.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a Device-Network Synchronization pathway andassociated software modules for establishing communication between adevice, such as device 311 in FIG. 3 and a network 315. The deviceestablishes connection with network, either by detecting and connectingto a local WiFi base station (which is in turn connected to theInternet) or by being placed in a wired cradle connected to the Internet(e.g., over a CAT-5 or -6 cable connected to a cable modem); eitherevent will trigger the procedure described below. The device 311establishes a secure-sockets layer (SSL) connection with the network. Aspart of this process, the device 311 provides its unique ID or serialnumber, from laser-burned chip 118, in encrypted form to network 315.The network authenticates transmitted ID and ensures same ID is notcurrently open (i.e., to prevent possibility of multiple fraudulentlog-ons). The network queries device to obtain usage and security data.The device provides requested usage data 302 and security to network,including: current date and time, date and time of last threeestablished network connections and IDs of each content selection playedsince last network data transmission and times and dates of each play.The network queries its subscriber data database to obtain subscriberstatus (i.e., valid or invalid and permitted access level). The networkobtains data regarding previous network connections and downloads fromsubscriber database and applies security check rules to subscriber data(e.g., current time and date are correct, number of plays is consistentwith reported time and date data), and also received data on the deviceID, content, time and date of any device-to-device content transfers. Ifthe network determines device ID is invalid or potentially fraudulent orthat security data indicates likelihood of fraud, network sendsdisabling message to digital rights management software (DRM) on device,disabling use of any subscription content and displaying an accessdenied message to user. If network determines usage and security dataare internally consistent and consistent with its subscriber databasedata, it queries the device for its stack. The device receives the queryand checks its stack; if the stack is not empty, it provided requestsfrom the stack to the network (i.e., all requested content downloads,playlist downloads, credit card and payment information uploads,contents storage changes upload, audio message and content uploads) andthe network responds by providing appropriate content and/or datasubject to DRM and over SSL, using an upload manager that ensures dataintegrity in the transmission and which can continue a partial downloadthat was not previously completed. The network checks to see if updatesare required to the software on the device, including updates to thedatabase of available content locally stored on the device, and if so,the network provides auto-executable files to the device which willupdate the software and/or other data. The network preferably performs aconsistency check with the content present on the device and thenterminates the connection.

The network 315 includes a network application and logic engine 402 thatmanages communications with the portable device 311, authentication andlogic at the network (such as application of security rules) andcommunications via the upload and data transmission manager 401/304. Alocal base station receiver 405 (i.e., wireless Internet access point)404 connects to a wired Internet access point 405. The base stationreceiver connects over WiFi protocols to the portable device 311,triggering the Device-Network Synchronization procedure. Alternatively,placement in a wired docking cradle 406 triggers this process.

As shown in FIG. 5 the software and data on the portable device 311minimally includes segregated secure (including DRM “wrappers”) andnon-secure content and metadata databases 301, indexed databases 504including available artists and titles, which are updated as necessaryduring each Device-Network Synchronization procedure, subscriber andusage databases 302 that track and store the times and dates of eachplay of a content file, transfers of content to and from other peerdevices, Device-Network Synchronizations procedure, and other data, adownload and connections manager 501, operating firmware and software502, including the “stack,” which records the tasks the portable devicewishes to accomplish during the next Device-Network Synchronization, andDRM-enabled player and access software 503, including one or more codecs(such as for MP3) and optionally decryption/encryption software.

FIG. 6 depicts a peer-to-peer communication. In this Figure,communication is established between two portable devices 601 and 602for the purpose of exchanging content. Preferably, devices 601 and 602are portable WiFi-enabled devices described in the present invention,each with privacy mode “off.” Device 601 and device 602 each perform aWiFi “scan,” similar to that performed by a WiFi-enabled Toshiba e755PDA in “ad hoc” mode, and this scan produces a listing of available WiFidevices in range, such as device 602. Other devices, even when noInternet connection is present, are available as well. The user of 601inputs a request to see what content selection device 602 is currentlyplaying and, accordingly, 601 transmits a request over WiFi to 602.Device 602 acknowledges the request to device 601 and invokes an HTTP:server software module that enables 601 to see the currently playingselection on 602 by using a browser technique and to see, on request,any other content that is currently stored, even if not playing, ondevice 602. The user of 601 selects one or more content files stored on602. Alternately, this process is triggered if the “stack” of 601 (seeFIGS. 9 and 10) includes an instruction to obtain a particular contentselection that is available on 602. In either case, 601 sends a requestto 602 to obtain the selected content and 601 “pulls” the content from602 by downloading it, using 602's server software. The user of 601 canbegin playing the selection downloaded from 602, provided the DRMsoftware on 601 permits this to occur, at which point 601 will continueto store the content received from device 602. At its next connectionwith the network, 601 will report the receipt of content, including timeand date, to the network, which data will be stored in the networksubscriber data database.

FIG. 7 depicts peer-to-peer functionality, including that involvingmultiple peer devices that are simultaneously within range of eachother.

Device 709 (“Jill's player”) detects the presence of other devices inrange by performing a periodic scan using WiFi (or another acceptablewireless technology). The device then performs the following functions.Device 709 identifies whether devices are in privacy “on” mode. Whereprivacy is “off,” 703, 707, device 709 identifies the name given to eachdevice, (e.g., “Jack's player” 706). Device 709 displays a list ofavailable devices to the user by listing the names of each player, andthe current content selection being played at that time on the player(e.g., 706, Beethoven's 5^(th) Symphony). Device 709 enables the user toselect one or more other user devices (701-708) and browse files andplaylists available on those devices, e.g., 706 would show 50 availableselections and 2 playlists. Device 709 also compiles a list of all mediafiles and playlists available on all other available devices in one listand enables the user to search and browse the list. If the user selectsa file on device 709, the device will know which of devices 701-708 havethe file available and will seek it out. Here, the files available ondevices 701-708, except devices 703 and 707, would be displayed (becausethe latter have privacy “on”). When the user of device 709 selects aparticular file or playlist (e.g., from Jack's Player 706), the file isthen delivered over a wireless connection to device 709. Alternately,709 may obtain only the name and unique ID of the selected file orplaylist from 706 and may obtain the file itself later from thedistribution network once a connection is available. Once the file isobtained, 709 will only allow the user to access it if the digitalrights management software on 709 permits it to do so.

Additionally, device-to-device and device-to-network-to-device functionsinclude the following functions. A user of 709 can choose to “beam” afile to another user by selecting the file and selecting “beam.” At thatpoint 709 displays a list of available non-private devices (701-708except 703 and 707). The user of 709 selects the target device, 706 andinitiates transmission. Device 706 then indicates, “Jill's player, 709,is sending you [name of file or musical or non-musical audio selection].Accept?” User of 706 can then either select “yes” and accepttransmission or “no” and reject transmission. If “yes” is selected, thefile is transmitted over a wireless connection from 709. Alternatively,709 will merely transmit the metadata information for the file and 706will add the information to its stack for acquisition from the networkduring the next connection with the network over the Internet.

The user of 709 can record audio content using a built-in microphone andrecorder, or create another sort of file, and beam it to another user ina similar way described above. In this way, users may send “audioe-mails” to one another. They may also make available audio thoughts forothers to browse and download to their player.

Users can develop “public” digital profiles including their photo, firstname, favorite music and hobbies, etc. and enable other users in rangeto browse and search this information at will.

Alternatively, any of the device-to-device functions described in thisapplication can be transferred device-to-network-to-device to permitusers who are not in wireless range or are not present at the same timeto share data and files in much the same way.

Simple matching software can be added as well to enable devices toautomatically scan profiles of other users and indicate if there is amatch in interests between users.

Additionally, this system can be used to create ad hoc peer-to-peernetworks for file and data sharing in particular geographic locations,where users are in range of one another.

Users can extend this capability by posting data and listings on anetwork for other users to browse and search at other times and fromother locations.

FIG. 8 depicts a preferred embodiment of an easy and convenient searchmethod for non-technical users. Simple menu tab 801 is used to indicate,and allow choice via a touch-screen, the current and available areas ofsearch. One-to-one marketing and communications 805, triggered by theparticular selection or activity of the user at a particular time,displays an appropriate message that is stored on the portable devicefollowing a Device-Network Synchronization and is generated based onapplication software on the device. Intuitive play controls 202 fornon-technical users enable easy play and control of located and accessedcontent. Users can search for new content at any time, without beingconnected to the Internet or any external database, by searching thelocally stored database on the device via a “spinning letter” technique802 or other acceptable input mechanism. When letters are spun, thecharacter string generated scrolls the listing of available contentdisplayed in text box 803 in real time. This enables even anon-technical user to zero in and locate a particular item very quicklyfor on-demand deliver. Users can search content listings sorted in avariety of orders by toggling a sort button 804, which can be donealphabetically by artist or title, or by popularity, ranking or genre.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict easy wireless access to content for anon-technical user. After identifying a selection as described in theabove paragraph, users can use the touch-screen to select an artist,after which, they are presented with a listing of tracks by that artist,which may be scrolled through or searched in another easy way. Thesetracks are displayed in text box 901. After the user selects an item (byusing the touch-screen or pushing in the toggle button when the desireditem is highlighted) the album, artist and title information aredisplayed FIG. 10 1001 along with a graphic that represents the albumcover art 1002 (which may be enlarged by touching it). By selecting “getsong now” or “get album now” 1003, subscribers can access the selectionon demand. If they are not in range of an Internet connection, thisoperation will be added to the “stack” 502 and initiated during the nextDevice-Network Synchronization. Alternatively, the user may purchase atrack for a displayed price 1004, whether or not a current subscriber,following which the DRM will allow the user to transfer the file toother devices, subject to specified restrictions, and to retain the fileindefinitely even if his or her subscription is no longer valid. Thesesong purchases permit permanent ownership of the track and the abilityto transfer it to other devices. Billing follows the above-describedprocedure and requires input at the minimum of a PIN code by the user toauthorize charges on his or her credit card.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 describe certain content management functions thatcan be performed by a non-technical user without use of a computer orintervening device. A user can rank a selection from 0-5 1101, whichranking can be relayed to the network for aggregation and averagingpurposes for display and ranking to users searching for new selections.It can also be used by the user for personal ranking and musicprioritization and sorting. A simple menu-driven interface 1102 enablesa user to navigate from the home page to a content management page,where the touch-screen allows “drag-and-drop” functionality for creationand modification of stored playlists 1301, FIG. 13.

FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 depict custom delivery of programmed content,which allows a user to specify a taste for particular genres orpreferred activity and have continuous commercial-free programmingdelivered automatically (at periodic Device-Network Synchronizations,invisible to the user), including updated playlists, which can thenprovide hours of continuous play at the push of the button while stillallowing (unlike in the case of broadcast media) the ability to replaycontent, pause the entertainment, save particular selections to theuser's collection, fast-forward/rewind, or skip content selections.“Interactive radio” allows users to subscribe to playlists that aredelivered on a scheduled basis—users can search through a variety oflists in multiple ways (e.g. by mood, activity or genre), as shown in1401. Users then can select lists to play from automatically downloadedplaylists 1501. They can play content sequences in order or can changethe order, rewind, skip, pause, save, etc. each selection. Users canvary the number of selections in each list delivered FIGS. 16 and 171601 and 1701, as well as the frequency of delivery (e.g. daily orweekly).

In FIG. 18 the user can search and browse a variety of lists sorted invarious ways. Once delivered, users see their programmed deliveryselections, which will automatically continue to deliver content, in alisting in the text box, indicating, in parentheses, the number ofcontent selections included 1501. Users can vary the periodicity andlength of the programmed content ordered by toggling easy-to-use buttons1606.

FIG. 18 also describes the process of programmed media delivery indetail. The network updates a list of available programmed contentchannels on the device. The user selects from available programmedcontent channels displayed on the portable device, (e.g., “workout mix,”“comedy”) specifying frequency of update and number of content files tobe delivered per update. Upon the next connection to the network, thedevice provides this information to the network, which is stored in thesubscriber data database.

The network immediately uploads to the device the current version of therequested programmed content list (e.g., “workout mix”), including thefile IDs, titles, and content files (including DRM) to the device (a“Programmed Content Delivery”), in a specified order, which may includealternative disc-jockey voice-tracking content and cues interspersedbetween content selections that are triggered dependent on the currentdate and time of play, or number of times a particular selection isplayed. Before a Programmed Content Delivery, the network reviews itssubscriber data database to identify any content on the selectedplaylist which is already resident on the portable player—contentalready resident will not be re-sent.

The user can access the program and initiate continuous play by pressingthe play button. Play may be stopped/paused, fast-forwarded/rewound orskipped/repeated at the user's option at any time. Individual selectionsmay be saved for future use or permanently deleted at the user's option.

Following a network connection after the next periodic interval (e.g.,daily or weekly), the network will perform a Programmed ContentDelivery, replacing the prior listing of content selections andproviding a new list and new content for the user to access in a similarfashion.

Summarizing the above, the present invention preferably provides anapparatus and method of sharing media content by subscribers that ismore convenient for users and more secure for content owners, thanexisting systems. The present invention preferably also allows users whowish to share playlists with other subscribers to do so by transceivingdevice-to-device a text-based copy of the playlist from one device tothe other over a WiFi connection. When the receiving device obtains theplaylist, the device automatically contacts the network to confirm thatthe receiving device has a valid subscription and to download anycontent selections the receiving device does not already have stored inits memory that are included on the playlist. The device then fullyassembles the playlist for the user so that it is playable on demand.

Alternatively, users may share content files by transmitting over a WiFiconnection encrypted audio and/or video recordings. The receiving devicecan browse the content on the first device via a wireless connection tothe device and “pull” a selection to the receiving device on-demand, or,alternatively, the transmitting device can choose a selection to “push”to the receiving device. In order to ensure (A) the transmission cannotbe intercepted and used illegitimately and (B) the receiving device isvalidly subscribed, the transmitting device preferably transmitsencrypted data and preferably authenticates the receiving device ashaving a valid subscription pursuant to a Device-Network Synchronization(described in FIG. 4). A preferred embodiment of a lateral transferprocess includes: the transmitting device, on receiving a “push” or“pull” request, contacts the network in order to verify that thereceiving device has a valid subscription. If so, the network provides,in encrypted form, the private key for the receiving device in orderthat the transmitting device can then encrypt and securely transmit theaudio and/or video data to the receiving device. The transmitting devicedecodes and uses the private key information to encode any data beingsent to the receiving device, which can then decode the audio and/orvideo data.

In an alternate embodiment of a lateral transfer process, in the event aconnection to the network is not available to the transmitting device,the transmitting device can send a request to the receiving device forauthentication. If the receiving device has recently been through theprocedure outlined in the preceding paragraph, the transmitting devicewill record this and will not require further verification procedures.If not, the receiving device will then provide data that verifies ithaving a valid subscription. If the transmitting device verifies thisinformation, it then preferably establishes a new key-based securitysystem with the receiving device. It preferably encrypts the audioand/or video and transmits them to the receiving device over the WiFicommunications link. A special flag may also be included in the audioand video data that indicates to the receiving device that the contentfile may only be playable a limited number of times (e.g., 3 times andthen the content expires and is no longer playable). If the receivingdevice then contacts the network and verifies a valid subscription, thespecial flag can be removed and the user can access the content as he orshe would any other subscription content, without a limitation on thenumber of listens/viewings possible, and without re-downloading thecontent to the receiving device.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosedherein and, although specific terms are employed, they are used and areto be interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurpose of limitation. Accordingly, it will be understood by those ofordinary skill in the art that various changes in form, substance anddetails may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Taken together this makes it more convenient andeasier for users to search, obtain, manage and enjoy content, and makesit more secure for content owners to distribute their content to usersdigitally and at low cost.

Note that scans for a WiFi network, referred to above, through a localaccess point connected to the Internet can be achieved by the currentart, such as by using a Toshiba e755 personal digital assistant withbuilt-in WiFi communications in “infrastructure” mode. Similarly, such adevice can perform scans for other WiFi-enabled devices in the absenceof any available Internet connection by using an “ad hoc” mode.Connections to available WiFi local access points can be automatedthrough the use of software that automatically initiates a scan andanalyzes the results of a scan performed by such a device, identifies anoptimal network (e.g., by highest signal strength), uploads requiredpassword and ID authentication if stored by the user and establishes aconnection. The appropriate process, invisible to the user, is triggeredin the present invention based on the desired user function, such as“beaming” a content selection (which requires a connection to a peerdevice in “ad hoc” mode) or downloading new content from a network(which requires an Internet connection in “infrastructure” mode).Network and peer-to-peer validations and authentications, along withreports from the device counter to the network regarding number of timesa content selection was played, times and dates of other events andother data, can be performed in a way that is not visible to the user asa “background” operation, so that simultaneously with these events theuser can perform other operations on the portable device, such as listento music or view videos, and search the metadata database stored locallyon the device.

It is further noted that the embodiment of the present inventionincludes the ability to allow a user, if so desired, to share files ofall types without DRM or other security methods over a WiFi connection.Accordingly, the features of the embodiments described herein, whichrefer to the ability of one device to search and find files on and totransmit files to and receive files from, a peer device can easily beapplied, as one experienced in the art would know, to a method of usingportable devices to share content across multiple portable wirelessdevices located in proximity to one another.

As discussed above, a feature of the present invention is that onedevice can download an audio or video clip (which may have a durationof, for example, 30 seconds) from another, using for example directdownload sharing. For this purpose, a user can select an item fordownload (e.g., “Concerto in G”) on the user interface of the device.The request is queued up until a network connection becomes available,either through a wired or wireless interface.

Upon connection, the device sends the request. The server authenticatesthe device, user, and request. If authenticated, the server sends asample file of the content that includes DRM (digital rightsmanagement).

The device receives the sample file and can allow the user to render(i.e., play) it, enabling the user to sample the content. At that pointthe user is offered the opportunity to purchase the full file (which mayhave already been delivered to the device, but its DRM may not be“unlocked” because the “key” for that file has not been provided yet).The key is sent after the user purchases the file.

Rights management can also be embedded into the sample file and limitthe rights of the user, per instructions of the content owner. Forexample, it may allow the user to play it once, or three times, or asmuch as they like in a 24-hour period, but then no more.

Rights management rules may also specify the sharing rules—e.g., cansend the sample file to one friend, who can play it one time, or cansend it unlimited times to unlimited friends, or cannot send it at all,or can only send it to other subscribers (e.g., the subscribers of aparticular system).

Samples can be shared by other means, such as a P2P connection. Whenthis latter type of connection is used, one user can see the collectionof another user in multiple ways. User A can choose to browse User B'ssong collection by connecting to user B (wirelessly or otherwise) andrequesting a list of User B's content files

User A can also see a selection from user B if user B decides to “beam”a file to user A. In this case, user A does nothing and user B pushes afile to a user A. User A's device pops up a question, “Would you like toreceive this from User B?”

User A and User B can be connected directly through a true P2P wireless(or wired) connection, with no device or network in between (e.g., adhoc Wi-Fi communications). Alternatively, user A and user B can beconnected through a dedicated central server. Each user separatelyconnects to the Internet and is connected via the dedicated back-endsystem

A slight variation on this configuration consists of two users who areconnected to the Internet via the same Wi-Fi access point, andcommunicate directly with each other without going through the Internet(essentially reflecting through the local access point).

When User A obtains a file from User B in any of the manners describedabove, the software at the dedicated server allows User A to receive asample file (for example, a re-made 30-second clip) from User B, subjectto applicable rights restrictions, rather than the full content file.This is true even though User B has the full file on his player and theuser interface doesn't display the sample file to him.

This is accomplished by storing the sample file on User B's player inaddition to the full content file, but not listing the sample file inthe user interface.

The device redirects a request for a full content file to the samplefile stored on User B's player

User A is then offered the opportunity to buy the full content file fromthe central server (and later potentially from User B)

An important feature of the invention is that a device can access anddownload information and content without a browser.

Other devices use a browser to enable a user to purchase content. Thisoffers numerous advantages. When items get added, deleted, or modifiedfrom the available catalog of content selections, this information ischanged at the back-end of the independent server. Since users aresearching in “real time”, they will always be seeing the latest,modified results.

Similarly, purchase price terms and information are always current whenusing a browser. As these change and are updated, current customers (atthe “point of purchase”—i.e., the time they decide to make the purchase)see the most current information.

The devices can be very “dumb”—i.e., thin client model. The devicesmerely need to place a request to the server and receive back a limitedamount of relevant data—e.g., the cost and title, etc. of a piece ofcontent. There is no need for large storage on the device, or complexprocessing, etc., because all of that happens on the server side.

Without a browser the same features have to be provided. This is not asimple task. The device is portable and has limited processing power anduser interface to obtain, manage and render a significant volume ofinformation. These were difficult problems to solve, which we have done:

The device initially receives a complete copy of the available catalogthat is stored on the local storage media of the device (e.g., mini harddisc or FLASH).

The format of this copy is important, as it optimizes for performanceand storage requirements.

An indexed file is created by the back-end system for each differentsort method on the device (e.g., Search by Artist, Search by Album,Search by Composer, Search by Genre, Search by Year . . . ). The indexallows for a fast lookup on the device with minimal processing power,even for a large list.

The indexes include lookup pointers for the information that needs to bedisplayed to the user. For example, the list might say: 35678, 98475,32412, etc. These numbers then represent text that is displayed to theuser, such as “Billy Joel,” “Nat King Cole”, “Miles Davis”, etc., wherethe numbers represent names. This greatly reduces the size of eachindexed file that needs to be stored on the device.

The indexed lists are sent down to the device in small chunks, so thatthe size of the “packets” of information that need to be transmitted canbe sent in a step-wise manner, without requiring time-consuming 50 MBdownloads that would be subject to connection breakage and otherproblems.

This information on the device is subject to “expiration dates” (as wellas start dates). This allows the device to know if it is displayingcurrent information to the user, or whether it should require the userto reconnect to the network before seeing information.

For example, a piece of content has a price of $1.00 for the month ofJanuary. On January 1 the device begins to display the price of $1.00until January 31. By February 1 it needs to acquire another update or itwill stop displaying $1.00.

This allows us to publish time-based promotions to the device, even ifthe user doesn't connect for all of January. Changes are processedefficiently.

When there is a change to an existing item listing, or an item is addedor deleted, rather than re-sending the whole indexed list (or oneportion thereof), we use a combination of re-sending information withsending updates for the device to process itself. Processing updatesinvolves the device performing data re-write operations on the indexesthat are stored on the device. The updates are processed in thebackground, while the user is doing other things, so this is transparentto the user experience.

There are other complications that derive from not having a browser.Connecting to paid access Wi-Fi points (e.g., T-Mobile at Starbucks) isnot straight forward. These points generally direct IP communications toa readable HTML Web page. If the device doesn't have a browser, it needsto learn how to navigate around this introduction page. The way it doesso is by creating a profile, and simulating the required communicationsto login and/or bypass this first page.

The device automatically selects a method of connection among multiplepossible connections by testing not only whether the connection is live,but also whether it can access dedicated server's back-end test page,verifying that the connection is live AND the device successfullynavigated any required logins, etc.

Consummating a purchase transaction on a non-browser, intermittentlyconnected device, involves the following: First, the device asks theuser to register. A user must register before they can make any purchasetransaction. Two methods of registration can be employed. The first isby a web/telephone. The user provides credit card information and thenreceives a 6 character “Activation Code” he enters on the device. TheCode is then used with a series of hidden computations to create asecure “deviceID” that is used to identify the device to the useraccount on an ongoing basis. Each Activation Code is unique and createdby the dedicated server's back-end system. For further protection, thecode is only allowed to be entered within a 48 hour period, or else itexpires—this makes it even more difficult for people to simply “guess”at valid Activation Codes.

The second method is directly on the device. The user enters his name,etc., including credit card information, on the device. This informationis temporarily stored in encrypted form on the device. Whenever thedevice next connects, it sends this information through the network(including a secure PIN, and the Activation Code referenced above). Ifthe information is valid, the user is registered and an account iscreated. The information is sent over HTTPS, so is secure, and is thendeleted from the device and not stored there ever again.

Once a user is registered, he can make purchases. When he makesselections, the device logs the selected request (assuming the pricinginformation has not expired when he made his purchase decision). Whenthe device connects to the network, the purchase is processed, and thecontent is sent. The user sees the charge on his next credit card bill.

Alternatively, users can purchase credits in advance, and these arecharged against the user when he makes purchases.

For subscription, a recurring charge to the credit card is established.On valid purchase, a renewal to the digital rights is provided. Changesto user interface, special messages to the user and other items aredifficult without a browser.

The dedicated server generates and sends messages to any or all devices(to the “Inbox” on the device, or to various specified locationsthroughout the user interface, such as the popup box for purchases). Thededicated server also updates software of the device, which includesmaking changes to the user interface of the device, adding new features,removing features, etc. Unlike other devices, these messages and changesare stored on the device and remain there until any further updates thatmay change them.

Numerous modifications may be made to the invention without departingfrom its scope as defined in the appended claims.

1. A system for sharing content comprising: a data communication channelfor data sharing; a first and a second portable device including anetwork interface for sending and receiving digital media segments; adigital storage medium coupled to the network interface for storing thedigital media segments; at least one of said first and second devicesincluding a media decoder coupled to the digital storage medium; a mediapresentation member coupled to the media decoder for presenting thedigital media segments to a user; a user interface for interaction withthe user; and a controller for managing the transfer, storage, andpresentation of the digital media segments; wherein said first andsecond portable devices are constructed and arranged to share mediasegments.
 2. The system of claim 1 where the network interface of atleast one device connects to a wired network.
 3. The system of claim 1where the network interface of at least one device connects to awireless network.
 4. The system of claim 1 where the digital mediasegment is digitized audio.
 5. The system of claim 1 where the digitalmedia segment is digitized video.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein saidfirst device stores a first plurality of digitized media segments andsaid second device obtains a listing of said first plurality, andgenerates a command to retrieve a specific selection of said firstplurality.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said first device includes alist identifying said first plurality and said second device accessesthe list and selects the specific selection from the list.
 8. The systemof claim 1 wherein said segment is sent from the first to the seconddevice in response to a demand.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein saidsegment is sent from the first to the second device without a demandfrom either device.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said first andsecond devices have associated lists and wherein said first and seconddevices share said lists and share lists from other devices.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said first device receives a specific mediasegment and sends a notification of said receipt to at least one otherdevice.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein said devices exchange datausing one of a peer-to-peer protocol, a WiFi protocol and an Ad-hocprotocol and by exchanging IP addresses.
 13. The system of claim 1comprising a plurality of devices wherein lists and segments are sharedusing one of a one-to-many, many-to-many, many-to-one protocol.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein said sharing is performed transparently tothe users.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein information is exchangedbetween two devices using a peer-to-peer protocol.
 16. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising a catalog of digital segments, each devicehaving access to the catalog to allow the respective device user to makeselections of segments.
 17. The system of claim 1 wherein each devicegenerates a respective playlist from the catalog, said playlists beingavailable to other devices.
 18. The system of claim 1 wherein eachdevice includes at least one of a digital rights element, a securecommunication element, software or hardware security on the device thatinsures that critical data remains protected during sharing, exchangesand communications.
 19. The system of claim 1 wherein each digitalsegment is controlled by a digital rights management rule and whereineach device includes a digital rights management controller that checkseach digital segment and utilizes each digital segment in correspondencewith the respective digital rights management rule when the respectivedevice is off line.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein at least one ofsaid digital segments is obtained by paying for the segment and whereinsaid digital rights management rule for the segment is determined by thepayment or otherwise authorized permanent access.
 21. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said segments are exchanged by said devices using apartial caching process.
 22. The system of claim 1 wherein at least oneof said devices includes a privacy element having a selectable privacysetting, said privacy setting limiting access to some informationspecific to the respective user.
 23. The system of claim 1 wherein eachuser is associated with a profile, the profiles of users being sharedbetween devices.
 24. The system of claim 1 wherein the distributedcomputer network is used to exchange messages between devices, saidmessages including one of audio, video, text, IM messages, at least somemessages including comments about digital segments.
 25. The system ofclaim 1 wherein at least one device is adapted to send a message toanother device indicating that a specific digital segment is availablefor exchange.